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The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading faster than the Delta variant and is already causing infections in people who have been vaccinated or are cured of COVID-19 disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan said on Monday that it would be “unreasonable” to conclude from early evidence that Omicron is a lighter variant than its predecessor.
Soumya Swaminathan told reporters in Geneva that “as the numbers rise, all health systems will be under tension.”
He cautioned that South Africa and other places that report lower hospitalization rates for Omicron have been hit hard in recent times, so many cases of Omicron may be re-infected.
“It can be a different variant in people with prior immunity,” he said.
The variant successfully avoids some immune responses, he said, adding that promotional programs being rolled out in many countries should be targeted at people with weaker immune systems.
“There is consistent evidence today that it is spreading much faster than the Omicron Delta variant,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a speech.
“And it’s likely to infect or re-infect people who have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19,” Tedros said.
Their comments echoed a study by Imperial College London, which said last week that the risk of infection was five times higher and proved it. no softer sign Than Delta.
But despite the weakened antibody defenses of some actions, it is hoped that T-cells, the second pillar of the immune response, can prevent serious disease by attacking infected human cells.
WHO expert Abdi Mahamud added: “Although we are seeing a reduction in antibody neutralization, almost all preliminary analyzes show that T-cell immunity is fully maintained, which is what we really demand.”
However, there was little emphasis on how to handle the new variant they were detected last month, Swaminathan also said: “Of course there is a challenge, many monoclonal ones will not work with Omicron.”
He did not provide details because he referred to treatments that mimic natural antibodies to fight infections. Some pharmacists have suggested the same thing.
Ending the pandemic
In the short term, Tedros said the holiday festivities will lead to “more cases, more overcrowded health care and more deaths” in many places, and urged people to postpone reunions.
“An abandoned event is better than a canceled life,” he said.
But the WHO team also offered hope to the weary world in the face of the new wave that 2022 will be the year that will end the pandemic that has already killed more than 5.6 million people worldwide.
He noted the development of second- and third-generation vaccines and the development of antimicrobial treatments and other innovations.
“We hope that this disease will be reduced to a relatively mild, easily treatable disease,” said Mike Ryan, WHO’s chief emergency expert.
“If we keep virus transmission to a minimum, we can end the pandemic.”
Amid growing concerns about Omicron, many governments are making efforts to expand vaccines to strengthen the population, and initial data suggest a third dose. provides greater protection against the variant.
But the WHO has repeatedly stated that promotion programs can already be deepened significant difference access to vaccines between rich and poor countries.
Many vulnerable people around the world are still awaiting a first dose of vaccine, and the UN health agency has said it is better to prioritize it than giving it to fully vaccinated adults.
“If we are to end the pandemic next year, we need to end the inequality,” Tedros said.
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